The proposal for a Mediterranean Union is the opportunity to give the Barcelona process a long-awaited boost. The Mediterranean as a res omnium is a life force and also represents a common good well worth preserving. The Barcelona system, fleshed out and more practical, offers a potential basis for its good governance. By capitalising on what already exists and experience from other subregional initiatives, in particular from that of the 5+5 project, new cooperation on maritime surveillance will be possible.
